# Moredun Research Institute

The Moredun Research Institute is a scientific research institution based at the Pentlands Science Park, in the Bush Estate area of Midlothian, Scotland. It conducts research into diseases of farm livestock and the promotion of animal health and welfare.
Moredun is committed to promoting livestock health and welfare through cutting-edge research and education. Recognised worldwide for its expertise in infectious diseases of livestock, Moredun employs over 170 scientists, vets, and support staff. Moredun staff actively engage with farmers, vets, industry bodies, policymakers, and the general public to ensure our research provides practical solutions for preventing and controlling livestock diseases.

## History

The Animal Diseases Research Association, now the registered charity the Moredun Foundation, was founded in 1920 by a group of Scottish farmers, with the aim of improving the health of livestock, especially sheep. The association founded a research institute employing vets and scientists, and over the decades the scope of animal health work expanded to cover goats, cows, horses and wildlife.
The institute was originally based at Moredun, in Edinburgh.
The origins of Moredun go back to the years following World War I which saw an increased demand for home grown food and a significant rise in the market value of livestock. This emphasised the seriousness of the losses associated with disease and concerned farmers voiced their strong support for an organised body to conduct research into livestock diseases. In the 1920s Louping Ill and Braxy claimed almost a third of the lambs born in Scotland and Grass Sickness was having a devastating effect on horses, which were used for heavy labour on farms at that time. In March 1920 a group of enlightened Scottish farmers held a public meeting at the Highland and Agricultural Society's chambers in Edinburgh and the Animal Diseases Research Association (now known as The Moredun Foundation) was formed. Within six years the founder members had raised enough funds to buy a plot of land and build the Moredun Research Institute. Within ten years of the Research Institute opening, Moredun scientists had discovered the cause and developed vaccines and treatment strategies for Braxy and lamb dysentery. Scientists then went on to solve the mystery of Louping Ill which was found to be caused by a virus transmitted by ticks and a vaccine was soon developed.
The Moredun Foundation has a membership programme which enables those working directly with livestock to receive the latest information about our research and to advise us on disease prioritites. Moredun has an active group of over 40 volunteer Regional Advisors throughout the UK who serve as a direct link between Moredun and livestock farmers. Many farmers have been active in helping our scientists with surveys and providing valuable samples for study. This collaboration has proven to be a valuable aid for our research. Moredun organises regular livestock health events throughout England, Scotland and Wales to meet with farmers and vets and discuss new developments to help improve livestock health and welfare. Our livestock health specialists regularly attend and present talks at agricultural shows, specialist events, meetings and CPD events for large animal vets. We also regularly take part in webinars. In our commitment to support the next generation of farmers and vets, our scientists deliver lectures at vet schools and agricultural colleges, host student visits and support dissertation projects. The Moredun Foundation Award Scheme provides an opportunity for our members to carry out a project to enhance their personal and professional development in livestock health and welfare.

## Pentlands Science Park

The Pentlands Science Park opened in 1995. It is part of the Moredun Group, under the control of the Moredun Foundation. It is a public-private partnership. The Pentlands Science Park and Moredun are participants in the Edinburgh Science Triangle project.
In addition to being the home of the Moredun Research Institute, the science park has attracted 20 companies to the site. The focus of Pentlands Science Park is animal bioscience but the tenants include research companies involved in pharmaceuticals, software, and environmental science. The area occupied by non-Moredun organisations is approximately 55,000 sq ft, and these tenants employ over 200 people.